Thousands of devotees heading to the Konkan region for Ganeshotsav 2026 will benefit from a state government decision to waive toll charges on several major highways. The exemption, announced via a Public Works Department (PWD) release, aims to ease travel for families journeying from cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane to their ancestral villages for the 10-day festival, which begins on September 14.
Toll-Free Travel Period and Covered Routes
The toll exemption will be active from September 11 to September 27, covering both onward and return journeys. This period ensures that travelers are covered for the entire festival duration and their trips to and from Konkan.
Key highways included in the waiver are:
- The Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48)
- The Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66)
- Konkan-bound roads managed by the PWD and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)
- The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu
How to Obtain the Special Pass
To avail the toll benefit, travelers must display a special pass. This pass, inscribed with “Ganeshotsav 2026 Konkan Darshan,” will also feature the vehicle's registration number and the driver’s name. These passes are provided free of charge and can be collected from police stations, traffic police posts, and Regional Transport Office (RTO) offices across the state.
Vehicle owners may need to present relevant vehicle documents for verification before receiving the pass. The same pass remains valid for the return journey, eliminating the need for a separate application after the festival concludes.
Benefits Extend to Public Transport
The toll exemption is not limited to private vehicles; Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses transporting Ganesh devotees to Konkan from various districts are also eligible for the waiver. Travelers are advised to secure their special passes in advance and display them clearly at toll plazas to prevent delays during the anticipated festival rush.